Women's Environmental Network Campaign

Chemicals under the spotlight

Over 30,000 chemicals are currently on the European market without
adequate environmental and health assessment. Industrially made
(synthetic) chemicals are found increasingly in our food, water, homes
and bodies and the regulations in place are failing to protect people
and the environment.

Concerns about some of these chemicals are that they build up in our
bodies and the environment, they are or may be toxic, and they do or may
disrupt endocrine system (hormones) in humans and wildlife. Some
are linked to breast and other cancers, some are suspected of being
behind other health problems such as asthma, allergies and reproductive
disorders. These chemicals are in everyday use in pesticides,
paints, plastics and household products.

The European Commission (EC) has just published draft legislation on the
internet aimed at completely overhauling the control of chemicals made
in or imported into the European Union (EU). Interested parties
have until 2 July to submit their comments to the EC President, Romano
Prodi.